Past Tense

Jack Reacher, Book 23

By: Lee Child

Narrated by: Scott Brick

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • THE BLOCKBUSTER JACK REACHER SERIES THAT INSPIRED TWO MAJOR MOTION PICTURES AND THE STREAMING SERIES REACHER

Family secrets come back to haunt Jack Reacher in this electrifying thriller from “a superb craftsman of suspense” (Entertainment Weekly).

Jack Reacher hits the pavement and sticks out his thumb. He plans to follow the sun on an epic trip across America, from Maine to California. He doesn’t get far. On a country road deep in the New England woods, he sees a sign to a place he has never been: the town where his father was born. He thinks, What’s one extra day? He takes the detour.

At the same moment, in the same isolated area, a car breaks down. Two young Canadians had been on their way to New York City to sell a treasure. Now they’re stranded at a lonely motel in the middle of nowhere. The owners seem almost too friendly. It’s a strange place, but it’s all there is.

The next morning, in the city clerk’s office, Reacher asks about the old family home. He’s told no one named Reacher ever lived in town. He’s always known his father left and never returned, but now Reacher wonders, Was he ever there in the first place?

As Reacher explores his father’s life, and as the Canadians face lethal dangers, strands of different stories begin to merge. Then Reacher makes a shocking discovery: The present can be tough, but the past can be tense . . . and deadly.

©2018 Lee Child (P)2018 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Child is one writer who should never be taken for granted.”—The New York Times Book Review

“[Lee Child] shows no signs of slowing down. . . . Reacher is a man for whom the phrase moral compass was invented: His code determines his direction. . . . You need Jack Reacher.”—The Atlantic

“Superb . . . Child neatly interweaves multiple narratives, ratchets up the suspense (the reveal of the motel plot is delicious), and delivers a powerful, satisfying denouement. Fans will enjoy learning more of this enduring character’s roots, and Child’s spare prose continues to set a very high bar.”—Publishers Weekly (boxed and starred review)

Great story...but I missed Dick Hill

I am a big Scott Brick fan...but I miss Dick Hill's stony narration. Great story, unpredictable and different, while still remaining classically Reacher.

Best Ever

I have read all of the Reacher novels and just might be your best ever.

Jack Reacher never disappoints

Jack Reacher never disappoints, unless it's Tom Cruise.
Great same old Jack. Just moving on.

Reacher is Back!!!

Jack is back. Not that he went anywhere, but this to me was a return to the Jack Reacher we all liked so much. Everything was great about this audio book, except that it's over now. Would two or three a year be too much to ask for? :)

A unique Reacher

I can’t say that this was just the same old Jack Reacher novel although it had its moments. This was two stories that finally come together about two-thirds of the way through. I throughly enjoyed this story and all the the places it goes. The suspense left you hanging for such a long time that you could hardly stop listening when you had to do something else.
I’m sure Reacher fans will be thrilled with this one even though it seems at times to be a kinder and gentler Reacher but never fear the real character come through even stronger than in some other of his adventures.
Lee Child was at his best writing this one.

Great entry to the series

Fun entry you the series, giving an insight into the Reacher family history. While Reacher remains his normal unstoppable force his father's back story is partially explored leaving open an investigation into the grandparents.

My new favorite Jack Reacher book!

Scott Bricks performance was amazing. He conveys humor like no other narrator I’ve heard and I’ve listened to hundreds of audio books. I’m just sad it’s over and I have to wait for a new Jack Reacher adventure!

OK, but

Not the best Reacher, but OK for a Reacher fan. Glad it is not my first, I might not try another.

Dick Hill Where are you???

I just can't get into it the same if Dick Hill is not narrating....sadness

YES, YES, YES!!! Totally back!

Have read or listened to every single Jack Reacher novel and there were a few more recent ones that weren't quite as good but this one - WOW! Loved it. New and yet still very Jack Reacher. Keep writing these Lee Child and keep recording them Scott Brick!